Hot-box detector and signal appliance



June 3, 1.924. l,496,94

H. M. ZIEGLER lHOT BOX DETECTOR AND SIGNAL APPLIANCE Filed Feb. lO. 1921 f lwuwloz Jezz ry M. Ziegler, WIW/55s: A v j attozwuj i Patented .inne 3, 192,4.

A To all vwhom it may concern:

En stares PAENT i ori-*ica HENRY amener., or SALINA, xaNsns.

Hor-nox nnrncfron `AND SIGNAL APPLmNcn `appiiauon inea February 1o, 1921. serial No'. 444,008.'

Be it known that I, HENRY M. ZIEGLE'R, a citizen 'of the United States, residing at Salina, inthe county of Saline and State of Kansas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Hot-Box Detectors and Signal Appliances, of which the following is a speci cation.

My invention relates to a signal 'for indicating when any particular journal box of a train or a car is about to become overheated. The system also affords a means ofcommunication between the engineer and the conductor both by telephone and a signal code.

The system is applicable to both passenger and freight trains, and in order thatthe invention may be fully understood, reference will now be had to the accompanying drawf ings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of two box' cars on which a portion of the system is installed.-

' Fig. 2 is a vertical section of an appliance installed on each journal box.`

F Fig. 3 is a crosssection on line FV--V of ig.2. Fig. .4 is an enlarged detail elevation of certain parts disclosed .by Figs. 2 and 3.

A-A desi ates two box cars equipped with journal oxes E in which the axle journals F are mounted in babbitted brass bearings G. All of theforegoing are of usual construction.

Referring now in detail to the means emloyed in carrying out my invention, 2 designates bushings, one of which is threaded into the top of each journal box E. Each bushing 2 is provided at its upper end with a coupling member 4 to which a corresponding coupling member 6 is detachably connected. As 'shown more clearly on Fig. 3, the coupling member 4 has two oppositelydisposed marginal openings 8 for the passage oi marginal lugs 10 on the coupling member 6. On inserting the lugs 10 through the openings 8 and then turning the coupling member 6 a quarter of a revolution the two coupling members 4 and 6 are reliably connected.` Conversely, b turning the coupling member 6 backwar to bring the lugs I 10 into coincidence with the openings 8, the

coupling member 6 can be removed from its com anion.

As disclosed more clearly on Fig. 2, the coupling member 6 is integral with the lower cud of .a housing 12 consisting, preferably, of fiber or other suitable insulating material and provided with a, handle 13 whereby it may be rotated to engage or disengage the coupling member 6 from the coupling 4member 4. Said housing 12 is provided at its lower portion with two contacts 16 spaced apart and connected at theirv upper terminals to a wire 18. fIhe lower terminals of the contacts 16 are bridged by a fuse 20' consisting of an alloy which will burn out at a lower temperaturel than the babbitt in the journal brasses G.

The fuse 20 is firmly held in engagement with the lower terminals of the contacts 16 by a plunger 22 extending downwardly through the housing 12 and provided at its lower end with a block 'of insulation 24, held upon the fuse 20 by an expansible spring 26 embracing the plunger 22 and bearing at one end against said block` 24 and at its opposite end againstthe upper interior portion'of thehousing 12. The upper into contact with the lower terminals of the.

contacts 16. This brings the flanges of the spool below the two enlarged portions of the openings 36 and 38, so that there will be no danger-of the fuse 20 accidentally falling out through said openings.

Registering openings 40, 42 and 44 are left between the lower ends of the contacts 16, the lower end of the housing 12, andthe lower end of the bushing 2, respectively, as disclosed on Fig. 2, for the fuse to escape when burned out. When the fuse burns out the plunger 22 is immediately forced downwardly by the spring 26 and raises the free end of the semaphore 30 to active position, so that a trainman can determine at a glance which journal box requires attention and a new fuse.

From the foregoing description it is apparent that i have provided'a signal emodying the advantages above pointed out and while l have shown and described the preferred construction, combination and. are

rangement of parts, I reserve the right to make such changes as properly fall Within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. ln combination with a journal box, a bushing having coupling members and mounted in and having its inner end substantially flush with the inner surface of said journal box, ahousing supported by said bushing and having coupling members with lugs for removably engaging the coupling members of the bushing, a fuse adapted to lie-.placed in the bushing through an opening therein and in the housing W1thout removlng the latter from the bushing, a

constantly visible signal pivotally mounted upon the housing, a plunger slidably mounted in the housing and normally resting upon the fuse to hold the signal in inactive position, and a spring to actuate said. plunger and cause it to move the signal to active position when the fuse burns out, substantially as shown and described.

2. lin combination with journal box, bushing having coupling members Luserna mounted in and having its inner end substantially Hush with the inner surface of said journal box, a housingl supported by said bushing and having coupling members with lugs for removably engaging the coupling members of the bushing, a handle to the housing so that the same may be readily coupled to and uncoupled from the bushing, a fuse adapted to be placed in the bushing through an opening therein and in the housing Without removing the latter from the bushing, 'a constantly visible signal pivotally mounted upon the housing, a plunger slidably mounted in the housing and normally resting upon the fuse to hold the signal in inactive position, and a spring to aetuate said plunger and cause it to move the signal to active position when the fuse burns out, substantially ils-shown and described.

ln testimony whereof l. adir my signatureu in the presence of two-witnesses.

EEN M.. ZEGLER Witnesses; 

